The Burkinabe transitional government has earmarked more than 11.3 billion CFA francs (approx. $18.5 million) in its 2025 budget to facilitate the promotion and reclassification of 36,670 civil servants.
The move is a key component of the state’s strategy to settle its “social debt” and honor long-standing commitments to the national workforce.
According to data presented to the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT), the initial budget of 9.6 billion CFA francs was revised upward to over 11.3 billion following a strategic adjustment by the Ministry of Public Service. This amendment accelerated the effective date for promotions for staff recruited before 2012, providing an immediate financial boost to thousands of long-serving employees.
Minister of Economy and Finance, Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, confirmed that the administrative process is nearing completion, with an 87% completion rate for promotion decisions as of late 2025. While the paperwork is largely finalized, the financial execution is currently in progress. As of December, roughly 21% of eligible employees had already received their back pay, totaling over 2 billion CFA francs in disbursed funds.
The “social debt” in Burkina Faso primarily consists of unpaid allowances and promotion-related arrears, particularly within the education sector. Government authorities emphasize that fulfilling these financial obligations is essential for maintaining stable relations with social partners and labor unions following the national consultations held earlier in 2025. The decentralized payment process is now being managed across various ministerial treasuries to ensure all 36,670 eligible staff are compensated.
Ho/Sf/fss/abj/APA